The tenor of this World Series could shift in an instant. One big blast from Miguel Cabreraor Prince Fielderin Saturday's Game 3, and everything changes. The A's and Yankees couldn't overcome the brute-force nature of the Tigers' game, so don't assume it has vanished for good.

Instead, with an off day to savor the Giants' 2-0 edge, consider how this blessed October affects their approach to next season. General manager Brian Sabeanshould do everything in his power to keep this team intact.

He'd love to sign an outfielder good for 48 homers and 125 RBIs. He'd enjoy calling upon the farm system for a ready-made offensive whirlwind. Still, he's just fine with the real world. With two World Series appearances in three years, Sabean is living every sports executive's dream: He has a system that works.

While the Dodgers overdose on extravagance and the Yankees pass the Geritol, the Giants follow a pattern that dates back more than a century, a formula that never fails to succeed. Pitching and defense are the obvious components, flanked by a vital third element: smarts.

Forget all the lucky breaks that have come San Francisco's way this postseason. A line-drive hitter with speed is a godsend at the top of the order. Angel Paganmay not remind anyone of Rickey Hendersonor Lou Brock, but he's plenty good enough, and his energy fuels the team's admirable spirit. He'll be the target of several clubs on the free-agent market, and the Giants can't let him get away (nor should Pagan dismiss the career epiphany that has come his way).

Once the leadoff man reaches base, pennants are won behind a No. 2 hitter with selfless, fundamental skills. That's Marco Scutaro, with his masterful hit-and-run artistry and (like Pagan) exceptional defense. Neither of these guys came with a gaudy price tag. They'll never measure up to Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Hanley Ramirezor Adrian Gonzalezin the high-stakes game of baseball finances. All they do is win games.

Scutaro, too, is a potential free agent. A recent New York Daily News article made it clear that the Yankees should pursue him. But he needs to be locked up right here, where his journeyman's career turned to gold.

Beyond those two, Sabean has a solid core, with Buster Posey, Hector Sanchez, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford under team control for years to come.

The state of the Giants' starting rotation is in constant flux, occasionally reaching the stage of deep concern, but would anyone be terribly upset if manager Bruce Bochygets those same five guys for next year? Nobody's hurt. Each is an iconic figure, in his way. This group represents style, toughness, pennants. And they're all signed for at least one more year.

As for Pablo Sandoval, it took a venture into fantasy - two homers off Justin Verlanderin three innings, then a third homer in Game 1 - to bring home the truth. Yes, he's overweight, and it makes no difference when he's hitting. You bet he chases the first pitch, like hundreds of great hitters who came before. He's the Giants' third baseman, period, and it doesn't hurt that those Panda hats have an interminable shelf life. For all of his faults, the man is loved.

And speaking of romance, it's difficult to recall anything quite like Hunter Pence's relationship with the fans. He's all zany and disjointed out there, looking so bad as he waves at those low-and-away pitches. It's somehow appropriate that he rides from his city digs to AT&T Park on a scooter that peaks at 20 mph. But there's an element of genius to his finger paintings, and just when everyone has reached the stage of exasperation, he delivers a key hit, a miraculous catch or an inspirational speech. He'll be better next year, too, knowing he doesn't have to make an instant impression.

Motown Dots

Will Clark with the straight talk on Sandoval: "Nobody ever mentions that he's probably one of the best hand-eye coordinated hitters of this generation." ...When Sandoval dropped 40 pounds after the 2010 season, it stemmed from fierce motivation: being benched in the World Series (just one start, as a DH) and letting down the club. He'll be the life of the party this winter, especially back home in Venezuela. A powerful test of restraint ... When the on-field reporter comes in handy: The Tigers were outraged over the "out" call on Fielder at home plate in Game 2 until Fox's Ken Rosenthal, working alongside the dugout, told them about the replay ... Nice to see Madison Bumgarnerhave some success with his pickoff move (catching Omar Infantetoo far off first base Thursday night) after the Cardinals ran wild against him in the NLCS ... As the Giants nailed Fielder with two perfect relay throws, a flashback to the A's-Dodgers World Series in 1974: Reggie Jacksonto Dick Greento Sal Bando, cutting down Bill Bucknerat third ... It wasn't that unusual to see a second baseman (Scutaro) backing up the shortstop (Brandon Crawford) on Gregor Blanco's relay. The good ones are taught that way, in case the throw goes awry. But the second baseman also has a bag to cover, especially with a runner heading that way (in this case, Delmon Young). Scutaro took the smart option and saved the day ... Someone asked Young if third-base coach Gene Lamont"let the Giants off the hook" by sending Fielder home. "We got two hits," said Young. "I don't know what hook you're talking about."